We Make You Sound Smarter With Your Friends

Guest Submissions can be sent to Ruiz@wearelibertarians.com. Please provide links to any sources cited in your submission. Every variety of libertarian thought is welcomed. However, We Are Libertarians will keep up a standard of professionalism and as such will not accept pieces based solely on conspiracy theories and/or pieces that are overly obscene. We look forward to your contributions!

A new poll indicates America is smack dab in the midst of “a libertarian renaissance in 2013.” So reports the highly-regarded website POLITICO.

The poll finds that fully “78 percent of Republicans and GOP-leaning independents self-identify as fiscally conservative and socially moderate.”

Further: “Told that libertarians generally believe individuals should be free to do as they like as long as they don’t hurt others and that the government should keep out of people’s day-to-day lives, 58 percent of the full national sample said they agree.”

“It’s not that Republicans are suddenly self-identifying as ‘libertarians’ and devouring Ayn Rand novels,” says POLITICO, “but more that they seem to be embracing underlying libertarian priorities and views about the role of government.”

FreedomWorks, the liberty-minded organization that sponsored the poll of 1,000 registered voters, makes the same point. They say their poll “identifies voters who can be fairly identified as ‘libertarian’ based on their fiscally conservative, but socially moderate to liberal answers to questions on polls.

“We do not claim that these are hardcore libertarians who have all read Ayn Rand and F. A. Hayek, or are as ideologically self-aware as readers of Reason magazine. Rather, these voters’ libertarian beliefs distinguish them from liberals and conservatives, even if the word ‘libertarian’ may be unfamiliar to them.”

The poll has lots of great news for libertarians. It suggests that libertarians and libertarian-leaning Republicans could be on the way to becoming more influential within the GOP than the party’s social conservatives, military hawks and neo-conservatives.

When asked what they are most interested in, fully 40 percent of Republican voters chose “individual freedom through lower taxes and reducing the size and scope of government.” Just 27 percent picked “traditional values,” and only 18 percent chose a “strong national defense.”

Fully one-fourth of Republicans in the poll self-identified as “libertarian” or “lean libertarian.” 42 percent of Republicans view the term “libertarian” favorably and 10 percent don’t know it.

The poll also shows that libertarians have more work to do to get the word out.

Overall 27 percent of voters said they didn’t know enough about libertarianism to offer an opinion. About 40 percent of 18-to-32-year-olds view the word “libertarian” favorably. But about a third don’t know what it means.

Republican pollster Kellyanne Conway, who conducted the poll, told POLITICO that a large and growing number of voters feel the government is too expensive, too invasive and too expansive.

“The perfect storm is being created between the NSA, the IRS, the implementation of Obamacare and now Syria,” Conway said. “People are looking at the government more suspiciously. They’re looking with deeper scrutiny and reasonable suspicion.”

The poll also found a healthy distrust of government.

Fully 61 percent said “economic policies coming out of Washington” are hurting more than helping. 64 percent of 25-to-32-year-olds who have been in the workforce a substantial time said they favor “smaller government with fewer services but lower taxes.” And two-thirds of 18-to-32-year-olds are favorable towards “free market” and similar terms.

Asked which party they trust to “reform government in Washington,” a whopping 40 percent of American voters say “neither” party can be trusted — outnumbering both the 30 percent who trust the Democrats to reform government and the 25 percent who trust the Republicans. Even among self-identified Republicans, 41 percent say they trust “neither” party.

In an absurd display of zero tolerance and anti-gun hysteria, a Palmer, Massachusetts kindergartener was given detention for bringing a Lego gun the size of a quarter onto a school bus. The boy was also forced to write a letter of apology to the bus driver. As much as I’d like to believe that this will instill the child with a healthy disrespect for unwarranted authority, I tragically fear that he will instead be shamed into the submissive acceptance of his incompetent overlords.

The 6-year-old boy was playing with the diminutive toy when another student alerted the bus driver about the impending doom of the G.I. Joe accessory. Acting with all of the tact and logic one expects from a public school employee, the driver then put the children in an exponentially more dangerous situation by bringing the vehicle to an abrupt stop. The Old Mill Pond Elementary School then meted out its punishment to the youngster, presumably feeling as wise as Solomon.

Mieke Crane, the boy’s mother, was not thrilled with the schools draconian response:

“I think they overreacted, totally. I totally do…At six-years-old, I don’t really think he understood the zero-tolerance policy and related it to this as the same.”

This is not the first time that school officials have overreacted in the name of zero-tolerance. As I have written about before at Wondergressive, earlier this year a 7-year-old boy was suspended for biting a Pop-Tart into (supposedly) the shape of a gun. Colorado second grader Alex Evans was suspended in February for throwing an imaginary grenade while playing soldier at recess. First grader Rodney Lynch was actually suspended for making a gun gesture with his hand, pointing it at a fellow classmate and saying “Pow!”

Most disturbingly, Honor Student Savana Redding, then 13, was strip-searched down to her underwear under suspicion of possessing prescription-strength Ibuprofen. The humiliating search proved fruitless. The Supreme Court decided 8-1 that the school officials did indeed violate Redding’s 4th Amendment rights by illegally searching her. However, the Justices ruled that the officials could not personally be held liable for their criminal actions. All in the name of zero-tolerance for both guns and drugs.

Sanity and reason are not the end-goals of these bizarre, one-size-always-fits-all policies. Instead they serve to protect teachers and union officials from parents who might sue for malfeasance or neglect.

Recite the magic incantation of “Procedures were followed!” and no litigious harm shall befall you! As long as these bus drivers, teachers and principals are not held accountable for their misdeeds, the absurdity will only magnify. Only when they are personally liable for their own actions will they (unwillingly) step away from the Cliffs of Insanity.

Stories like this help to reveal the madness that is currently brewing in American public schools. They also help illustrate the growing fear of firearms in the country. The disconcerting part of this trend is that fear is a rational response to something threatening. The current mania sweeping the nation is more properly described as an irrational phobia of guns – hoplophobia to be exact.

Despite highly visible and tragic events like the Sandy Hook shooting, violent crime has actually been dropping for about two decades. The gun murder rate has almost halved in that stretch. The overall non-fatal violent crime rate involving guns dropped 75% between 1993 and 2011.

Yet despite this good news, when polled by PewResearchCenter, a whopping 56% of Americans falsely believed that gun crime had increased over that period. Only 12% correctly responded that crime has plummeted.

As witnessed by the innumerable calls for further gun control post-Sandy Hook, Americans are increasingly frightened of firearms despite the demonstrable reality that the world around them continues to be safer than at any time since the early ’90s. This irrational fear is crescendoing into a palpable phobia for all things ballistic.

This fear of guns is very animistic in nature. In animistic religions, plants, animals, and even inanimate objects are imbued with special powers or spiritual significance. When you look at the irrational hatred of firearms through this lens, the insanity of zero-tolerance begins to come sharply into focus. It doesn’t matter that the Lego gun is the size of a quarter, in the eyes of hoplophobes it is still a gun with magical powers. It doesn’t matter that it’s simply a kid’s Pop-Tart chewed into an ambiguous shape, it looks like a gun, dammit!

The best example of this phobia is poor 7-year-old Rodney Lynch, whom I previously mentioned was suspended for making a gun shape with his hand. He was punished merely for making a representation of a firearm. In more Biblical terms, he was penalized for making a graven image of an unholy object. He had to be punished for this sin, lest he or others repeat the blasphemy.

Another aspect of this irrational fear is that it’s only directed towards everyday citizens, something that doesn’t apply to police officers, who are viewed as a special breed of humans. Famously, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo had to walk back gun control legislation because it didn’t exempt police officers from the ban on “high-capacity” magazines.

“Police officers possessing ammunition clip [sic] with more than seven bullets are not in violation of this law and they never will be, period.”

This special privilege granted to the Boys in Blue seem unwarranted given their behavior.

During the manhunt for former – LAPD officer Christopher Dorner earlier this year, at least seven officers amazingly mistook Margie Carranza, 47, and her mother, Emma Hernandez, 71, for the sizable black fugitive. They fired upon the pair and Hernandez was shot twice in the back. Carranza was injured from flying glass and shrapnel from the over two dozen bullet holes that were found in the back of their pickup truck.

Those officers seem like models of restraint.

More recently, Philly.com reported on a surge in police shootings in the City of Brotherly Love:

“The number of shootings by police in 2012 resulting in death or injury climbed to the highest level it’s been in 10 years. Philadelphia police shot 52 suspects last year while responding to calls for reported crimes. Of those shot, 15 people died.”

These shootings represent a 50% increase over 2011. The police department hasn’t provided a reason for the increase and they have refused to release any information concerning the shootings.

Another disgusting aspect of this animism manifests itself in the way it’s reported. Almost invariably the passive voice is used to describe police officers shooting a victim.

Three years ago in Detroit, a 7-year-old girl was fatally shot during a raid in search of a murder suspect. The police fired a flash-bang into the house to disorient its occupants and stormed in. Rather than directly blaming Officer Joseph Weekley for killing the girl, amazingly the Associated Press writes that “A gunshot then went off inside, fatally striking [Aiyana Stanley-Jones] in the head while she slept on the couch.”

A human being didn’t pull the trigger. The gun magically “went off.” The writer then reports that “[Weekley] didn’t prevent his gun from firing” and later that “Police have said his gun accidentally discharged.”

Guns don’t accidentally discharge. The safety was off and someone pulled the trigger when it was pointed at a human being. But in the animistic view of firearms, they possess a will of their own and the supernatural ability to impart it on the world.

The hoplophobia of many Americans today has manifested itself in bizarre and increasingly paranoid ways. Pop-Tarts and Legos are viewed as functional weapons by school officials yet the violence perpetrated by police officers is seemingly justified in the eyes of the press and the public. Malfeasance is explained away by triggers with self-determination.

Guns are tools, just like automobiles or hammers or ladders, and they can be dangerous when they are misused. But they are not magical talismans. They are not to be inherently feared. Rather, like with any dangerous device, criminal users of firearms or cars should be held culpable for their neglect or malicious intent.

People need to be educated about guns and their productive uses and also their potential dangers. By outlawing the mere representation of firearms, it ensures that people will continue to reflexively and irrationally fear them, knee-jerking into draconian and pointless legislation.

More education and less bed-wetting terror is needed to end this hysteria. However, I fear that many people deem guns to be too impure and icky to dare challenge their own animistic preconceptions of them.

“One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

I am opening this piece with a quote by MLK, one that was contained in a letter he wrote while in jail. I guess you could say the July 4th Civil Disobedience march on D.C. is very similar to the type of activism MLK practiced. Not to harp too much on that, but just chew on that for a moment before I get really get going.

So wait. What? What am I actually talking about here? Well, for any of you that may have been living under a rock for the past couple of weeks, there is going to be an open carry civil disobedience march on Washington D.C. on July 4th this year. It is expected to draw roughly 1,000 people to the capital to march – rifles slung, from the “National Cemetery…across the Memorial Bridge, down Independence Avenue, around the Capitol, the Supreme Court and the White House, then down Constitution Avenue to peacefully return to Virginia across the Memorial Bridge.” A very bold route for certain, but bold compared to what? It’s going to be a tight group of people moving through D.C. that day, and a peaceful group at that. The event organizer has even stated that anyone participating that meets resistance from the police should submit peacefully. Maybe they’ll need a bunch of handcuffs. Maybe they’ll need none at all.

So there are quite a few people out there talking about this event already and it’s more than a month away. But most of them are full of s***. Let’s start with the plain ol facts to calm the rustled jimmies of so many.

This protest is a peaceful one and is not being organized as a violent march or an attempt to start the revolution. In many different ways this is solidified in truth starting with the statement above regarding police resistance. You also have to realize that the event organizer is going to have everyone get into a military type formation in order to literally march into D.C. The ranks will be inspected as to uphold the limitations that the group has imposed such as: 1. only active duty police are allowed to possess handguns in formation. And 2. all others are long guns only. It is said that all participants must be dressed professionally – which I am taking to mean no tactical vests full of ammunition (appearing outright ready for violence). Basically this is going to be a well-organized and respectfully armed group protesting against government. That doesn’t sound so bad right?

This is a civil disobedience march. Laws are going to be broken and that’s the point. As with so many others in activism, arrest is inevitable and is sometimes a great tool to prove one’s point. We know what the laws are. We know what the consequences of breaking said laws are. And with those two points in mind, we are being adults about this in the strictest sense.

The person organizing this event is not doing this just for themselves. This is not just for attention or fame. Like with anything this is for a cause and has a purpose. I can’t honestly prove this to you. However, I can say that anyone who questions the intent of the organizer should investigate for themselves and be wary of a lot of misinformation.

This isn’t going to be much different from what hundreds of Cop Block members do every single day, what Antonio Buehler of the Peaceful Streets Project does, what Adam ‘Ademo’ Mueller does constantly, what types of things Pete Eyre gets himself into or even to go back, MLK and Rosa Parks. This is a being called a march to mark the high water mark of government and to turn the tide. It is really that simple.

It is to provide the world, history, and all of us right here, right now, an indicator of where our government is and that we are under it. I could go into many a lofty ideals that this march could portray (or mean), but that’s up to each individual to decide for themselves while they are there. And yet so many are being talked down to by all their friends for wanting to go.

So many people are being attacked right now for their support of this event. I will flatly state that it is mostly due to who is organizing the event. Adam Kokesh has a history of being anti-military, and most of the GOP hates him for that. He has been very active over the years with in-your-face activism and has (in my opinion) been very successful in his endeavors. Still, I don’t think people understand how the Libertarian and Anarchist world works when it comes to mass organization. Some feel that we do not need leaders and some would say that we should simply not follow them as strictly.

Many say events like this only work with mass solidarity and that this event has no solid end goal to rally around and so it will be fractured. That’s not even remotely true. But to point out the fact that we are dealing with a group of Libertarians and Anarchists, we all pretty much have solidarity all of the freaking time towards a common goal – which I guess some are calling a bad thing.

This event will be historical. It may not be recorded in the textbooks or talked about much in the news, but it will be a moment when a group of people stopped hiding behind their little parties and elected officials e-mail inboxes, and go out of their way to say “F*** YOU GOVERNMENT.” Let me sum up exactly how I feel about it all with a quote that always goes over well except for with this event – a quote from a well-respected man whom I do not particularly like, but it speaks volumes of truth.

“When the people fear the government there is tyranny, when the government fears the people there is liberty.” – Thomas Jefferson

So ask yourself, “When was the last time the government feared the people?” When was the last time a group of people took a stand as nothing but individuals and stood up in peaceful protest against the government? We are NOT looking for bloodshed! Let’s make that clear. We are NOT looking to preempt the revolution! We ARE looking for some respect as human beings and also for an opportunity to showcase the atrocity in front of us known which is the Federal Government.

The only negative I have seen thus far is that now Alex Jones is calling for his army of tools to show up. That makes me say “thank goodness for the guidelines surrounding this event.” Not that him doing that will be all negative. It should bring many more cameras to the event which is never a bad thing when dealing with a police state.

Miah Akston is a Guest Contributor at We Are Libertarians. She has been a presence on the We Are Libertarians podcast and is also the mastermind behind Creating Miah (if you don’t know look it up), and The Uncontrollables – a podcast at Indiana Talks.

Miah’s views do not necessarily reflect the opinions of We Are Libertarians as a whole – nor other WAL contributors. In fact, Miah was inspired to write this piece based on Daniel Peffers’ recent article opposing the Kokesh march. See his statement Adam vs. Activism here: wearelibertarians.com/peffers-adam-vs-activism/

During a recent commencement speech at Ohio State University President Obama lashed out at political opponents.

“Unfortunately, you’ve grown up hearing voices that incessantly warn of government as nothing more than some separate, sinister entity that’s at the root of all our problems.” President Obama continued, “Some of these same voices also do their best to gum up the works. They’ll warn that tyranny is always lurking just around the corner. You should reject these voices.”

One of those voices was Thomas Jefferson who once said, “Most bad government has grown out of too much government.” Today we are witnessing just how bad the government can get, and how right our founding fathers were about limiting the size of government.

Over one-third of the house committees are involved in hearings related to missteps and wrongdoings committed by the Obama White House. Improper targeting by the IRS, the Benghazi terror attacks, seizing the phone records of Associated Press reporters, and an investigation into political fundraising for Obamacare will keep our elected officials busy for a month in oversight and criminal investigations.

President Obama tried to distance himself from some of these incidents by claiming that he learned about them from the same media reports that the American people watched as these stories broke. White House Press Secretary Jay Carney has spent the better part of a week re-enforcing the “know nothing” status of the Oval Office: “We are not involved in decisions made in connection with criminal investigations, as those matters are handled independently by the Justice Department.”

Tell that to the Associated Press. The Justice Department secretly subpoenaed two months of phone records of AP employees in what some have called a “massive and unprecedented intrusion” into a news organization. This aggressive trend of intimidating the press and informants from bringing government wrongdoing to light is troubling. The Obama administration has prosecuted more whistleblowers than all past presidents combined.

Senator Rand Paul added: “The Fourth Amendment is not just a protection against unreasonable searches and seizures; it is a fundamental protection for the First Amendment and all other Constitutional rights. It sets a high bar, a warrant, for the government to take actions that could chill exercise of any of those rights. We must guard it with all the vigor that we guard other constitutional protections.”

In other news that President Obama knew nothing about, the Justice Department is investigating the IRS for improperly targeting conservative groups seeking a tax exempt status. An independent report from the Inspector General’s office confirmed these findings and acting director Steven Miller was fired. However, Miller’s departure has not toned down the rhetoric.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said, “These allegations are serious — that there was an effort to bring the power of the federal government to bear on those the administration disagreed with, in the middle of a heated national election. We are determined to get answers.” Former White House senior adviser David Axelrod, quickly came to the president’s defense: “Part of being president is there’s so much underneath you that you can’t know because the government is so vast.”

This excuse strikes at the heart of the issue. Thomas Jefferson also said, “The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground.” Conservative groups and the Associated Press saw their liberty trampled by an ever-growing government, as did the families of the four Americans who were left to die in Benghazi. But President Obama isn’t alone in dealing with scandals. They are historically a bi-partisan issue.

President Nixon had a rough night at the Watergate hotel, President Reagan forgot about an arms embargo with Iran, President Clinton “did not have sexual relations with that woman,” and President George W. Bush thought there were weapons of mass destruction hiding under oil wells in Iraq.

Over the coming months, numerous hearings and investigations will shed more light on recent events and tell us why government has gotten so bad. We may even see a few of these past transgressions used to give insights in to the current White House woes. There will be grandstanding and ceremonial bills and rhetoric laden press conferences. What you will not find are laws that reduce the size of government which, as Thomas Jefferson would tell us, is exactly what is needed.

Fort Wayne has a $6 million budget deficit and a $65 million backlog of unfunded street repairs that dwindling reserve funds can no longer cover. Too many years of short-sighted planning and a “don’t just stand there, spend something” mentality led to this mess. A bi-partisan fiscal policy group was even created to fix it.

City officials would have us believe that the loss of revenue due to the property tax caps – $53 million lost since 2009 – is largely responsible for the current condition of the budget. However, the impact of the tax caps was known and was predictable for the past 5 years. If you know that your income is going down, doesn’t it make sense to cut your spending as a first step to solvency?

Not according to the policy group. They have recommended a smorgasbord of new taxes to fill in the budget gaps. The adoption of two new local option income taxes (LOIT), each at a .25 percent rate is at the top of the list. These new income taxes would cost the average tax payer an additional $120 per year and would raise nearly $14 million in annual revenue for the city.

The financial policy group also recommends a municipal cumulative capital development fund implemented that would raise an additional $1 million through a property tax. They would also like to tap into the banked levy that adds $1 million, and utilize $1 million in interest from the $75 million legacy fund over the next 5 years to address street repairs backlog.

Other governmental bodies are not in agreement with raising taxes. Allen County officials have rightly pointed out that the LOIT’s would impact nearly 70,000 residents in unincorporated areas. These residents do not have access to all of the city services and they do not have the ability to vote for city representatives. This is a clear case of taxation without representation.

To soften the negative reaction to higher taxes, the policy group proposed a $5 million reduction in city operating expenses. The first recommendation is to add a fire protection fee to the City Utilities bill that would free up $3.5 million in the budget. The policy group has also recommended changing the healthcare policy for city employees and revamping how sick time is accrued.

Unfortunately, these recommendations do not lead to a true reduction in spending. The fire protection fee adds about $2.40 per month to our City Utility bill. This is technically a “tax increase” in the form of a new fee. Whether or not the unions will allow employee benefits to be reduced is far from known at this time as well.

If benefits are really being looked at as a source of savings, then the policy group did not dig deep enough. During the last election the salaries of Fort Wayne officials were called in to question. Our Mayor, Chief Operator, and City Controller are all paid more than Indiana State Governor Mike Pence who makes $111,687.94 per year. There is a case to be made that salaries of top officials have climbed past appropriate levels given the financial state of the city.

It’s important to remember that the property tax caps were enacted by Indiana voters to reduce the size and spending of local government. Cities and counties that responded to the call for smaller government across the state are in strong financial shape. Cities like Fort Wayne, whose administration lacked even the most basic of fiscal discipline, are now in need of new revenues to maintain their poor spending practices.

Citizens must demand that their local government act as good stewards of tax dollars and pass balanced budgets. Families across the state have made difficult decisions in the face of a down economy and the government should be expected to do the same.

Until the city learns how not to spend more than it takes in, handing over more tax dollars to the city administration to solve the budget problem is equivalent to giving an alcoholic more booze to sober him up.

Ryan Ripley is a 33 year old husband and father of two from Fort Wayne, Indiana. He graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with a BS in Business Administration. Prior to joining the Libertarian Party Ryan ran for a seat on the Marshall County Council in 2010 and on the Plymouth Common Council in 2011 as a Democrat. During that time he also served as the acting Chairman of the Marshall County Democratic Party. Ryan can be found on Twitter (@ryanripley) and can also be reached at ryan@ryanripley.com

Guest Submissions can be sent to Ruiz@wearelibertarians.com. Please provide links to any sources cited in your submission. Every variety of libertarian thought is welcomed. However, We Are Libertarians will keep up a standard of professionalism and as such will not accept pieces based solely on conspiracy theories and/or pieces that are overly obscene. We look forward to your contributions!

Shortly after joining the Libertarian Party I realized that this is a community of intelligent, policy-minded individuals. Discussions can become deep quickly and often become impassioned. The Constitution is upheld and defended on principle, conspiracy theories are traded like baseball cards, and holes in economic theories are called out faster than you can say Henry Hazlitt.

From the inside the community looks like a bazaar of ideas being freely shared and sharpened. From the outside, it simply looks bizarre.

This outside perception is problematic. An election is won by convincing people to show up to the polls and vote for your candidate. These people have mortgages to pay, kids to feed, and all of the other distractions of day-to-day living. Their limited attention to our message must fit into this very small window of opportunity and it must appeal to the typical voter. But this is no easy task.

Being the “Party of Principle” complicates this situation even further. The positions that we take as libertarians are typically well researched, constitutional, and counter-culture. Without the proper context, our positions can seem extreme. Take for example the stance that the Department of Education (DoE) should be eliminated.

In “Liberty Defined,” Dr. Ron Paul provides the key arguments against the DoE:

There is no constitutional authority for the federal government to be involved in education.

There is no evidence that the $70 billion spent annually on the DoE has improved the quality of education.

The current system is not sustainable.

Unfortunately, most Americans view our public education system as a “sacred cow” that shapes our society and provides the best education in the world. What we have here is the right idea, but the wrong message.

Fortunately, Republicans and Democrats have perfected the art of condensing their messages into sound bites that are easy for voters and the media to consume. By borrowing this technique we can frame the discussion around our principles and have policy discussions on our terms. This important skill improves communication with the voters and prepares candidates for debates where two minute responses are the norm.

Let’s look again at education. We know the federal story, however; at the local level the Libertarian Party supports school choice and advocates strongly for parents and teachers to be the authority on the curriculum used in the classroom. This is a good statement, but can we frame the story to our advantage? Keep in mind that many of the voters we are targeting know the teachers in their communities. Vouchers and other school choice programs have been characterized as anti-teacher initiatives.

Framing the discussion away from the constitutional argument and far from the emotional pitfalls of changing the public education system, we can have a more meaningful discussion. Consider the ultimate prize of the libertarian position and it is simple to come up with a properly framed statement on education: Hoosiers should decide how to educate their children, not politicians.

That statement reveals the ultimate benefit of the libertarian approach to education and it is easy for the voters to remember. Our opponents could try to agree with the statement, but their votes to fund the Department of Education betray such efforts to mislead the public. At that point we can dive deeper in to the issue and have the discussion on our terms.

Taxation is another topic that causes emotions to run high. When libertarians talk about eliminating income and property taxes some people immediately agree. Others worry that the government would no longer provide “essential services”.

If we tell the voters that every government spent dollar is taxed away from us we frames the taxation discussion in terms of cutting spending – which will end up eliminating taxes – and also helps a candidate pivot to a related topic – like tax abatements.

After setting the stage with our statement on taxation a candidate could make an impact by asking the following question: Tax payers create government jobs every day, where’s their abatement? This framing could lead to some more difficult moments for Republican and Democratic candidates.

It is important to keep in mind that we are not throwing away our principles with this approach. The principles and values of our party are what set us apart from Republicans and Democrats. By framing the discussion in a digestible way, we give undecided votes an on-ramp to our way of thinking. We can throw Rothbard and Spooner at them later. For now, it’s more important that potential voters understand the goal of our policies and realize that they are not as bizarre as some might make them out to be.

Ryan Ripley is a 33 year old husband and father of two from Fort Wayne, Indiana. He graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with a BS in Business Administration. Prior to joining the Libertarian Party Ryan ran for a seat on the Marshall County Council in 2010 and on the Plymouth Common Council in 2011 as a Democrat. During that time he also served as the acting Chairman of the Marshall County Democratic Party. Ryan can be found on Twitter (@ryanripley) and can also be reached at ryan@ryanripley.com

Guest Submissions can be sent to Ruiz@wearelibertarians.com. Please provide links to any sources cited in your submission. Every variety of libertarian thought is welcomed. However, We Are Libertarians will keep up a standard of professionalism and as such will not accept pieces based solely on conspiracy theories and/or pieces that are overly obscene. We look forward to your contributions!

It is a given that students in college will always try to find some way to make life a bit more exciting in between studying at 3am, researching a group project at the library, and taking endless amounts of exams. These extra-curricular activities range from bar runs, to frat parties, to minor mischief. However, a group of students at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana decided to pass the time by creating a music video. At the same time, they proved that engineers lie about how much work they actually do. A bunch of engineering students, created a parody song titled “This is Engineering,” of the song “Thrift Shop,” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. In the video they sing about how they do a lot of work and dance around many of the classrooms on campus. They even get Purdue President Mitch Daniels involved in the video. Now who could potentially be against such a video (Indiana University fans not withstanding)?

Believe it or not there is someone who is against the video (and they’re from Purdue no less). Bill Mullen, Professor of English and American Studies wrote an op-ed for the Lafayette Journal-Courier claiming that Purdue University should take down the video because there was not enough diversity in it. Professor Mullen makes “demands,” including taking down the video and providing money for a video with a diverse group. He gives no proof that the University directly funded this video. For all we know the students put up no money, and just asked various people throughout the University to use their equipment. As a member of the Purdue Anti-racism coalition, he makes a lot of assumptions about the video that help fuel racism.

It seems that people tend to understand things a lot better when Morgan Freeman is talking about any topic. He gave an interview on 60 Minutes with Mike Wallace on racism. Morgan Freeman gives the perfect solution for stopping racism, and that is to stop talking about it. It seems that there are too many people who still look at the color of a person’s skin. Dr. Martin Luther King believed that there would be a time where his, “four little children will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

Racism exists because we talk about it too much, not because we don’t talk about it enough. Politicians on both sides of the aisle use race to advance their own agendas. Whatever happened to looking at someone as a Man or a Woman? Either people have forgotten about it, or they’ve never been taught it.

Gary D. Eppenbaugh is a Guest Contributor.

Guest Submissions can be sent to Ruiz@wearelibertarians.com. Please provide links to any sources cited in your submission. Every variety of libertarian thought is welcomed. However, We Are Libertarians will maintain a standard of professionalism and as such will not accept pieces based solely on conspiracy theories and/or pieces that are overly obscene. We look forward to your contributions! – Joe Ruiz, Managing Editor

This might come as a surprise to pretty much everyone: I am a Libertarian and a pragmatist. I want a slim government (Local, State, and Federal).

Governor Mike Pence is trying to pass a 10% tax cut on Indiana incomes. From a distance it sounds like a nice proposal. But to be honest, Indiana has pretty well right-sized government. Our constitution requires the state to provide some very important services. We have to provide for excellent common schools. Our citizens chose a state government that provides for top-notch transportation. Heck, our motto is “The Crossroads of America.”

The Pence plan would reduce our income taxes from 3.4 to 3.1%. If you make $35K a year, that is a tax burden of $1,190 bucks. The Pence plan saves you about $105 a year…Sorry but you are really not going to miss those savings.
Now the State Senate wants to reduce the proposed tax cut to a mere 3%. That is a whopping $45 bucks a year. That way the Senate can save face for the Governor’s campaign promise of cutting taxes. The Senate is simply trying to find a small victory that they can celebrate for the next cycle. We need real tax cuts, but not from Indiana’s income tax. We need them from federal taxes, local property taxes, and sales taxes. Of all of the taxes I pay, the Indiana income tax is probably the most reasonable.

Like I said, I am a Libertarian. I want to cut taxes, streamline government, and LIVE FREE. But for $45 bucks a year? Keep that cash and come up with a real way to make my life more free. Improve the roads, lower my property taxes, or repeal a law or two, or three.

Jeremiah Morrell is a Guest Contributor at We Are Libertarians. He was the 2012 LPIN candidate for State Representative in District 54, earning 27% of the vote. Jeremiah has served on the LPIN’s State Central Committee for three terms. He holds a BS in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University. As almost all other Libertarians, Jeremiah works a day job that allows him to work within the LP. He is a Sales Representative at Gerdau, selling steel in Indiana and Kentucky.

Guest Submissions can be sent to Ruiz@wearelibertarians.com. Please provide links to any sources cited in your submission. Every variety of libertarian thought is welcomed. However, We Are Libertarians will keep up a standard of professionalism and as such will not accept pieces based solely on conspiracy theories and/or pieces that are overly obscene. We look forward to your contributions!

DOMA, which stands for the Defense of Marriage Act, is quite inappropriately named. First of all, there is nothing contained in it that defends my marriage. Second, even if I did need some outside party to defend my marriage (which I don’t), I certainly would not choose the government to do so.

How does DOMA defend my marriage? By refusing to acknowledge someone else’s marriage? That is exclusivity, not defense. Refusal to acknowledge the marriage of two loving people does not make my marriage more sound anymore than refusing someone else food makes me more full. It is simply a ridiculous idea. The value and sanctity of my marriage is based solely upon the value my wife and I place on our marriage and how we act within the bounds of that marriage.

I don’t know how many times I have heard, since this debate started, that “the Bible defines marriage as one man and one woman.” I find it ironic that in a country which was founded largely to escape religious persecution, so many would use their own religion to persecute others. Not everyone in this country is a Christian. And not all Christians in this country use their religion as a reason to deny others their Constitutional right to equal protection under the law. I do not want to live under Sharia law, regardless of which religion it is that is imposing it on the rest. I consider it a great thing that residents of this country are free to choose any religion they want, or no religion at all, if that is their preference.

As for the idea of the government being the one to defend my marriage, that is simply out of the question. How is a government which cannot balance the budget, repeatedly violates our civil rights in name of “security” (NDAA, Patriot Act, TSA, etc), and starts wars with no exit strategy supposed to make me feel more secure in my marriage? I would sooner entrust my marriage to a pack of wolves. At least they understand the concept of loyalty.

In summary, the time for DOMA to be overturned was before it was ever passed and signed into law. But as the saying goes, better late than never. It is past time that we live up the ideal put forth in the Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal.”

We need to socialize everything we can, ensure that only the government is armed for your own good, end the war in Afghanistan sometime (but only when Israel and AIPAC are ready for us to go to war somewhere else), improve the economy by spending more of your hard-earned dollars, and continue the policy of nation building and sending our money overseas. That is the sentiment of what I heard during President Obama’s 2013 State of the Union Address last night.

That is it in a nutshell. These are really the exact same policies that the Republicans are promoting – just wrapped in a different nutshell. When are we going to wake up and realize that whether it is a peanut or a macadamia nut, once we crack them open, they are still nuts?

How can we change it? Well, it’s easy really.

Bring the troops home tomorrow and let the Department of Defense concentrate on defense. Pass a balanced budget in 2013 and demand a balanced budget every year from here on out just like the rest of us have to do at home. Get the government out of healthcare, out of the way of our teachers, and out of our wallets. Stop the printing presses at the Federal Reserve and make the United States of America operate on a budget. Live on the hard work and sweat and blood this country was founded on.

Most importantly as my friend, Andy Horning always says, “If you keep voting for what you have always voted for, you will keep getting what you have always got.” It is time for a change from the two-party system. Check out your local or state Libertarian Party. We are the real voice for change and we will stand for what’s right for the American people each and every day.

Ken Knarr is a Guest Contributor.

Guest Submissions can be sent to Ruiz@wearelibertarians.com. Please provide links to any sources cited in your submission. Every variety of libertarian thought is welcomed. However, We Are Libertarians will maintain a standard of professionalism and as such will not accept pieces based solely on conspiracy theories and/or pieces that are overly obscene. We look forward to your contributions! – Joe Ruiz, Managing Editor

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Get Our Podcast

We Are Libertarians helps you sound smarter while talking to your friends. We examine current events from a libertarian perspective while treating modern politics with all of the irreverence it deserves. We toss out the screaming heads, put people before political parties, and give context to the news to make you think. Our host is Chris Spangle, a fifteen year veteran of politics and media. He leads a discussion amongst friends and high-profile guests that span the libertarian spectrum of thought. Founded in 2012, the podcast posts on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Podcast Reviews

Good Mix

August 20, 2018 by BigSkyCo from United States

Great mix politcs and humor. I love the cast of characters, even Vibbs.

Best Libertarian Podcast.

July 20, 2018 by Alistair K. Nye from United States

Without a doubt the best libertarian podcast out there. Deeply insightful, smart, funny as hell, and easy to understand even when they dive deep. They are neither left or right, libertarianism at it's best. It's 'üge.

Best intro to Libertarianism

April 7, 2018 by TILAME from United States

Highly recommend for independents and libertarian-curious. Casual dialouge, informed hosts, and great recent changes that focus more on current events than personal relationships. The host remains largley non-partisan, and critical of every party, including the Libertarian Party. The host has an engaging voice, and the episodes are long, so it is perfect for work or long drives.

Great Show

March 28, 2018 by Davistribe50 from United States

Easy to follow. They talk about things that matter to most people. A fresh look you won't get elsewhere.

If you feel orphaned by the two parties, welcome home.

November 27, 2017 by Rainbow Chardy from United States

I’ve never fit into the left or right, soon realized I was a Libertarian but still didn’t feel like I had resources or a community to tune into where ideas where treated in a way that RESONATED. Enter WAL. Such a great feeling to find others like myself. Only suggestion? I wish there was a woman—shoot I wish I *was* the woman! Let me know if I can contribute!—and sometimes it’s total boy nerddom...which is fine but I would totally dig a woman(s) interaction in the mix. You guys are great and don’t stop!

Best libertarian podcast

October 7, 2017 by BoomJake from United States

My favorite political podcast. Chris Spangle and his team have great chemistry and are well researched. I laugh and learn every episode.

Long time listener

July 9, 2017 by Chris JV Chris JV from United States

Rewriting this review because this show has been excellent lately.
Been listening for a while and you guys are doing a great job improving the quality of this show.
What differentiates it is that Chris is a left leaning libertarian, Greg is a right leaning libertarian and Harry is an anarchist. It's interesting having those three strands of the modern libertarian movement interact on current events. Cat is actually a decent addition.

Equally Political and Entertaining

July 1, 2017 by Really nice music from United States

One of my favorite political podcast. This show will go as deep as any other show you may listen to, but it's also one of the funnest shows out there. Greg is incredibly thorough in his research and him and Chris are a true dynamic duo.

Deplorable Cucks

June 28, 2017 by RazmanianDevil from United States

Okay the title seems negative, but these guys get that humor. This podcast has been a diamond in the rough for me. They're more professional and intelligent than you would think and just childish enough in their dialogue to hold my attention. My new favorite and they have 100% my support.

Love it.

June 24, 2017 by @troybotkins from United States

Love the show!

A breath of fresh air

June 7, 2017 by Kristi Liberty from United States

I've recently gone back and listened to the episodes from the beginning. A great show from Episode 1 to Episode 211. The hosts may change around a bit, but the show brings great Liberty oriented content on a consistant basis. I even <3 the opening banter!!!!

normie poison

June 6, 2017 by Millennail Liberty from United States

The only people who don't like WAL are statists, normies, and boomers.

Intellegent, Funny, and Wild

June 6, 2017 by Kyllat from United States

Love it. Yuge podcast network. They have the best words.

Listen to every episode

June 6, 2017 by cmurray1105 from United States

This is such a great podcast. Chris Spangle is the bees knees. I love the show!

Great show

May 11, 2017 by Bald Jordan from United States

Other phone crashed again. Idk what's going on with it. Where are you at?

Entertaining and informative

May 4, 2017 by Kent1423 from United States

We Are Libertarians provides an honest and unique perspective on modern political goings on. They present the side of the news that mainstream media ignores because they aren't beholden to any corporate overlords. It's informational, but also FUN! Too many libertarian podcasts forget the importance of having fun while presenting ideas.

Tad Western approves ??

April 21, 2017 by Tad Western from United States

WAL is the pinnacle of political podcasts!

Great show!

April 16, 2017 by jennbgray from United States

Libertarians can get pretty wonky sometimes, so it's great to have a more relatable alternative.

Thank you Dear Leader

March 30, 2017 by zwansong76 from United States

Entertaining and informative. Who but Spangle & Lenz could use the word praxeology in a conversation, and make it FUNNY? Good stuff.

Podcast? More like hot bodcast!!

March 25, 2017 by Cale Tompkins from Canada

Amirite?!? Not only are these men smart but they're in peak physical condition. I can hear their virility over the airwaves.

Good usually

March 20, 2017 by MrKrabbs1 from United States

If you can get beyond the self congratulatory circle jerk that occurs basically every episode, it can be pretty enjoyable. However, like all other libertarian podcasts, the hosts like to pay themselves on the back excessively and bask in their accomplishments--real or imagined.

Favorite libertarian podcast

March 10, 2017 by Extreme iOS user from United States

Lots of great guests. Worth a listen. A little light on philosophy, but it makes for that by being very entertaining.

Informing and Entertaining!

March 3, 2017 by 1233554367585$29 from United States

I love this podcast so much! The cast is pretty diverse (maybe get some more women), and they have a variety of different types of shows. Some are more informational about news from a libertarian perspective, and others are more emotional and talk about libertarian solutions to current government created problems. The cast is also pretty hilarious, which makes the longer podcasts very easy to listen to.

The most fun you will have listening to political banter!

January 30, 2017 by Ben DeJong from United States

If you are a libertarian minded or even lib curious, this is the podcast for you! I have listened to a dozen different libertarian podcasts and no one blends humor with topical political insight from a true libertarian point of view as perfectly as Greg and Chris. Keep up the great work guys!!!

This is by far my favorite podcast.

January 26, 2017 by Americamericafreedom1234usa from United States

So inviting. So intelligent. So funny. So crude. So philosophical. Wow.

Wish it was more than once a week

January 19, 2017 by Elvis236 from United States

I love this podcast. Superb libertarian talk and political/media criticism and commentary. I could listen to Chris and Greg for hours. Keep up the great work guys.

Amazing

January 2, 2017 by Davgr007 from United States

A great libertarian podcast!

Love y'all!

December 9, 2016 by Cynd1966 from United States

I recently discovered your podcast. I have known for years that I lean towards the Libertarian party. I first learned of the Libertarian movement from listening to Neal Boortz. And even today I still listen to him after his retirement. It is great to hear others who share some of the same opinions.

Worth Your Time

November 23, 2016 by Reasonable01 from United States

This is a really great way to ease into politics if you haven't really paid attention before. The hosts are funny and very well informed. Also, their unabashed criticism of both democrats and republicans makes the entire podcast seem a lot more honest.

Great Show

November 22, 2016 by DaneKirk from United States

One of my favorite podcasts. The analysis is right on and much better than the garbage you get from the MSM.

Very informative and eye opening.

September 9, 2016 by AndrewBowman91 from United States

As Chris says in the intro, they make sense of the world around us by thinking differently.
I highly encourage everyone to listen to their entire postcast family. You will not be dissapointed. By presenting topics in a way that brings several views to the table, Chris, Greg, and No Show Anagnos, and #NeverBitner + guests, provide real commentary. I always enjoy listening and appreciate the work the entire team puts forward to providing the content. Everyone who contributes has something meaningful to say and I have learned something new every episode.

Becca

August 2, 2016 by Beccakephart from United States

I think I finally realized why as a generally liberal democrat that I love this podcast so much. Chris and Greg (and others) have a special gift in that they are able to challenge my political conclusions without elliciting a defensive response. That's rare and appreciated. Keep up the good work.

Amazing

June 12, 2016 by MrNye from United States

A great look at both politics and principles. You'll laugh and learn, and what's better than walking away knowing more and having had a great time learning?

These guys are #SoBrave

April 24, 2016 by Clitcommader from United States

This podcast touches me where my feels are. It's like hanging out with some friends and discussing what's going on in the world, yet I'm just listening. I'm addicted, the first thing I do when I wake up is to see if there is a new episode to listen to. I can't believe how brave Belinda is....

Great!

April 6, 2016 by CD Kauai from United States

Love that they sometimes drink beer and eat pizza while discussing libertarian subjects and deal with the cats in the room!

Dank Memes

March 11, 2016 by Meech1889 from United States

Bro

Always a good time

March 6, 2016 by Flychiken from United States

One of the most funny and fun podcast to listen to, and they bring on interesting people from multiple viewpoints.

Best Libertarian Comedy Podcast!

February 3, 2016 by Ecc3_15 from United States

Very enjoyable and funny. This is probably my favorite podcast.

Wonderful podcast

January 22, 2016 by p_aaron_oid from United States

These guys are informative all while not taking themselves to seriously. Sometimes you start to believe you are in the apartment having a conversation with them.

Trust me. I´m listening for more than 2 years

January 19, 2016 by The Iluminado from United States

I´ve been following these guys since about the 20th episode. That was the golden time when their main mission was to teach us about some basics of the libertarian stuff and discuss some of the current political status. I´ve learned a lot. For the episodes 20-60 that format got its momentum with some hard and thrilling discussions, especially when Geena was on. Then we got a series of confusing programs when our Great Leader went missing, due some kind of menace from the Great White North. That where some hard times. Then Our Dear Leader came back with some new guidelines, bought some cats, lost weight, started working on the hours of a 18th century farmer.... The enlightenment came under new fatwas and here I am... I dear listener for more that 2 years and a true fan.

Great Pod

January 5, 2016 by VinnyAnders from United States

Chris and co are always informative and present their opinions from differing perspectives. Entertaining and fun!

Fan

December 30, 2015 by Rob Kendall from United States

This show is amazing! Very entertaining and a good listen.

The Only Politics Podcast

November 6, 2015 by The Only Politics Podcast from United States

My husband started listening to podcasts earlier this year, and of all the politics podcasts he listens to, this is the only one I will listen to with him. At first I thought it was weird, but now I get upset with him when he listens to them without me. I subscribed to the podcast just so I can listen to the ones he doesn't save for us to listen to together.

Excellent

October 19, 2015 by Simba. L13 from United States

Great discussion with a great group of differing opinions and personalities. They have given me a lot to think of and are a very fun listen.

Fresh and Hilarious Take on Politics & Current Events

June 4, 2015 by FlyinRyan7 from United States

If you’re looking for a podcast that mixes current events, politics, libertarianism, and humor, look no further. This podcast is dynamite and includes a crazy cast of hilarious participants that will leaving you intrigued, perplexed (...Miah...), fired-up, touched, laughing or some combination all led by Chris “Dear Leader/The House I Live In” Spangle.
Hands down this is my go-to pod cast and I’m pumped to see what these guys/gals do in the future.

Good Stuff

May 23, 2015 by DaveJones*** from United States

WAL is fun and informative. Highly recommended!

A great podcast!

May 18, 2015 by cxykttn6969 from United States

Dear Leader and his subordinates bring a delightful insight into the current happenings of our country! This podcast has a wide array of characters ranging from the slightly dopey (Greg Lenz) to the very exotic (Joe Ruiz ) and The powerful (Chris Spangle!)

Truly a great Political/Current Events Podcast

May 9, 2015 by Touch001 from United States

I can’t recommend this podcast enough, I’ve been listening for a couple years and its only gotten better, it is both entertaining, humorous, informing, and educational. It’s easy to listen to and you laugh and enjoy the time spent listening to it. Keep up the good work guys!

A Circle of Friends

April 30, 2015 by graphicahead from United States

For someone who is exposed to very few people who think deeply about the impact of philosophy and politics on their daily lives, WAL provides water in the oasis.
I discovered the show very early in my exploration of the libertarian worldview. Without this resource, I may not have felt as connected to the sometimes complex concepts one encounters in academic writings and the daily unfolding of current events.
A listener who wishes to hear a range of ideas for applying the philosophy of liberty, rather than being bombarded with singular and absolutist positions, WAL is the podcast for you.
The down to earth and unscripted discussion is authentic and genuine and makes you feel as though you are a participant amongst a circle of friends.

Open your Mind

April 29, 2015 by Sawzall582 from United States

Consider liberty and freedom with a cast of independant thinkers. Current event analysis and Libertarian philosphy are both explored. Give these freethinkers a chance. One feels like a part of the discussion as topics are explored.

Where Are You?

April 25, 2015 by hollenjj from United States

Guys, on episode 104 you did not close with the tag line. I know Greg was not on the show, but come on...ya gotta do it.
Great shows every episode and I love that you're back more frequently.
You guys rock, but on the tag line...next time... "Try to do better next time". ?

great

April 18, 2015 by you can call me papi from United States

at first i thought, great... another minarchist podcast but these guys really are great political new and commentary. good job, my only advice is easy on the rand paul jerk

So Good

April 14, 2015 by RedSoxFan207 from United States

I love listening to this podcast!
Informative, many points of views, and funny

Doesn't take itself too seriously

April 12, 2015 by Cdanl2 from United States

This is an entertaining discussion-format podcast discussing a variety of political issues - but unlike a bunch of other libertarian podcasts, it doesn't take itself too seriously, and entertains as much as it informs.

I started listening to WAL in Spring of '14. Since the political dicussion covers a variety of topics, it's important to find authors, audiobooks, and podcasts, that keeps you interested in the ideas surrounding the topics. The hosts do a great job of uniting politics and humor. They keep you laughing while maintaining a solemn temperament. They do a solid job in covering as many topics in each episode, so don't worry if you missed it; eventually, it will be discussed. A must have subscription for any person who wants to be involved in the discussion or just wants to know what's going on. Personally, I enjoy the foreign policy discussions the most.

Great Podcast from a liberty perspective

April 4, 2015 by Goulio05 from United States

These Guys are very informative and have good entertaining banter. They will also force you to examine your own perspective.

Converted!

April 4, 2015 by Kiltedman5332 from United States

After years of feeling disappointed with both democrats and republicans I have finally discovered why. I am a Libertarian! These podcasts are totally on point. Love listening. So proud to have gone to high school with these guys.

Great

April 4, 2015 by Eye_see from United Kingdom

Like a bunch of great friends selling you all things libertarian.

Wildly Sub-Par

April 3, 2015 by Mike Pence from United States

When I think of what I want to listen to while I choke the chicken, I come straight to this. The sound of their political ramblings really get me off.

Very honest varied perspectives

April 3, 2015 by Torchstone from United States

Not your normal crap.
A very good mix of opinion that shows that not only is everyone their own man (or woman, or man turned woman ;-) but libertarians themselves are a mixed bag as well.

Great Podcast

April 2, 2015 by PurplelyPurp from United States

Good podcast for new libertarians.

Political commentary that doesn't take itself seriously

April 2, 2015 by Jonnyprince from United States

This is very easy to digest commentary from a libertarians perspective. Excellent for those new to the Liberty movement or just curious to see what it's all about. It helps that it's pretty funny, too.

Great Show

April 2, 2015 by Akpalmer1979 from United States

Great show with insight you don't get from mainstream media.

I like it

February 26, 2015 by SkiBum 1978 from United States

This is a pretty good podcast for newbie Libertarians.

Great Podcast

February 7, 2015 by The LAVA Flow from United States

I listen to every single episode. Great podcast with a great cast of characters. Keep it up, guys!

Great podcast

September 20, 2014 by Goofy goner from United States

I love this podcast.

Best Libertarian Podcast

November 25, 2013 by PNWdankery from United States

This is easily one of my favorite podcasts week after week. I like how each person on the show brings their unique views to the show and they always cover excellent talking points. Very informative, and always get a few laughs.

Awesome

November 14, 2013 by Pug IBMC from United States

Great show. Knowledgeable fellas. Good time listening to the show.

Very Solid

November 3, 2013 by rcon14 from United States

Informative and exposed me to some topics I was initially unfamiliar or uninformed on. Love the interviews as well. Helps add current resolutions to the issues. Like the range of libertarian views, gives a wide perspective.

Mr.

September 10, 2013 by SandersTactical from United States

Awesome pod cast! Very intelligent, informed, and entertaining hosts! They offer opinions across the Libertarian spectrum providing a well rounded response to each issue presented. These guys and gals are a great resource for all Liberty loving individuals.

Great show!

September 10, 2013 by Brent J. from United States

I stumbled across this show a few weeks ago and find it very interesting.
Despite the Indiana-centric elements not being relevant to me as a Minnesotan, the show is great!
Episode 58, was very interesting and thought provoking!

A new addiction

August 15, 2013 by PaulVCope from United States

I look forward to this podcast more than anything else each week. If you want commentary on the latest happenings in the world, this podcast delivers without question. Even though they are all libertarians there is plenty of back and forth with very different views.

These guys get it.

August 3, 2013 by Brad@MyHeroesThink from United States

Its funny. Co-workers just think I'm listening to music all day. But instead, I'm immersed in a conversation between a gang of Libertarians. It's great, and it makes my day fly by. Smart people. Great flow. Its just what I was looking for...

WAL is the best

July 18, 2013 by sbarber12542 from United States

One of my favorite podcasts. the thing I like about it is that the host and co-hosts can have seriuos conversations about politics and then go off on a tangent that is absolutly hilariuos. The best episodes are the ones were you guys are unprepared and off the cuff. Chris Spangle is the best host and makes the podcast awesome. Any podcast with himk on it is awesome keep up the good work guys. Also if you could talk about some good books for the newly converted libertarian that would be great!

My favorite podcast and best source for libertarian talk

July 13, 2013 by Jluginbyhl from United States

I have listened to every show. They are all great. Sometimes they are very informative and other times very entertaining. It's a great cast. I look forward to every new show.

Awesome!

July 7, 2013 by AngrySoft from United States

Instead of wasting all their time talking about issues, they just come across as some average nerds talking to each other!

Great stuff!

May 15, 2013 by Rat Poux from United States

Love the discussions on current events and politics and happy to see a lively Libertarian podcast out there!
Keep the great work coming guys. =D

I find myself joining the debate alone in my car...

May 14, 2013 by dasher528 from United States

This podcast is the best libertarian podcast I have heard so far on iTunes! I have about an hour and a half commute to work everyday and this podcast makes the time fly by. It is so refreshing to hear other people openly discuss the Libertarian philosophy without being cut off by a talkshow host with an agenda to push. I cannot tell you how awesome it is to know that there are smart educated people in the world who share the same viewpoints as I do. The ONLY reason I did not give 5 stars is because new shows are not frequent enough :( Now I realize we all have day jobs but honestly, with Libertarianism becoming more mainstream and people looking for a voice like their own, I think it would be wise to prioritize this show to ensure there is at least one new show a week... and if you would like a female libertarian from Chicago to offer a different viewpoint, give me a call!!!

Intelligent Political Conversation

April 24, 2013 by Ryan Ripley from United States

This podcast produces excellent political content that makes you think. The co-hosts are all well spoken and very knowledgable about the Libertarian movement. The emotions run high at times, but that is a big part of the fun. Highly recommended!

Extremely Well Done

April 24, 2013 by Yellowperchman from United States

This is by far the best political podcast I have ever listened to. I sincerely hope this group of guys catch on like wildfire and eventually get their own nationally syndicated radio/tv show. They are that good. We need less progressive and neocon talking heads and more sensible/pragmatic people like them. I do must say, I miss Gault!!!! :-D

I love this podcast! It's funny yet informative. It has definitely been instrumental in my conversion away from rightwing conservatism. You will laugh at loud with the hosts as they mock and make fun of each other. Bring back Gault.

Great Podcast

March 12, 2013 by dbcva from United States

Like Lifesavers have peppermint, wintergreen, and traditional five flavors, this podcast represents all of the varied and tasty flavors of libertarianism.

Great Podcast

March 8, 2013 by mawest84 from United States

I've been searching for a Libertarian themed podcast for a while, and was mostly unsatisfied with what I'd listened to. That was until I found this one. The topics are always interesting and the conversations are smart. I've recommended the 'cast to most of my friends since I've started listening. Really appreciate what these guys are doing.

Scourge of the Earth

March 8, 2013 by Miah Akston from United States

I think its so so ... could be better ... nah just kidding ... I LOVE IT

One of my go-to podcasts

March 8, 2013 by annilita1 from United States

I always look forward to getting a new episode. Nice range of libertarian beliefs, well argued and researched.

Great podcast, 1 minuscule problem.

February 20, 2013 by DataMatr1x from United States

This is a great podcast for libertarian ideas. My ONLY complaint is the annoying new intro. I appreciate the attempt but... Not everyone is Weird Al.

Better than anything ever, ever

February 9, 2013 by MyOpinionIsUndeniable from United States

Best political podcast on the internet. Best political commentary there is...makes mainstream media look like children. 1,000,000,000 stars!! Listen to thsi podcast!!!! Ahhhh!!!!

Great show

February 6, 2013 by indytim33 from United States

Best. Libertarian podcast. Ever.

Thanks

October 13, 2012 by HoosierCountry from United States

Thanks to everyone for their kind reviews! - Spangle

Good 4 ppl new 2 politix

August 29, 2012 by KrypticKaos_ from United States

The guys are informative for people who may not be very familiar with politics and government. They're also funny, which makes it easy to listen to. If you're young you should try it out.

Finally

June 4, 2012 by Boolez from United States

A podcast who speaks for the average joe. Gary Johnson 2012! -Bz

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The Chris Spangle Show is a podcast about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Chris Spangle of We Are Libertarians brings listeners a daily dose of libertarian commentary on current events.

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The Brian Nichols Show is for libertarians, conservatives, Republicans, moderates, independents, and even those on the left, who are actively seeking a political news program that objectively covers the week's news to help educate, enlighten, and inform.

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